Southern California freeways are now home to hundreds of miles of carpool and HOV lanes which continue to move more people than a traditional general purpose lane would. Because HOV lanes have become popular with reduced speeds, transportation officials are working on major proposals to bring in a network of dual tolled express lanes (also known as High Occupancy Toll or "HOT" Lanes) to Southern California freeways.

The Transit Coalition generally supports multi-modal express lanes and congestion pricing. Such facilities can provide a quick and easy throughfare for carpools, public rapid express buses, private-sector coaches, and solo motorists willing to buy their way out of traffic congestion.

The Transit Coalition believes that it is essential for carpools to have free access to these lanes without a requirement for Fastrak transponders especially for highway projects that involve the conversion of existing carpool lanes to HOT. If HOV's are required to pre-register for an ETC transponder, that would result in a reduction of carpools in the HOV lanes instead of single occupancy vehicles. This negative consequence has been proven repeatedly based on past carpool lane conversion projects which includes the Metro ExpressLanes, an after-effect we object.

In fairness, HOT lanes with BRT express services have been successful. That is why direct access ramps between the HOT lanes and adjacent transit hubs should also be included which would provide better infrastructure for productive rapid express bus service and additional amenities for HOV's such as park & ride lots and car sharing facilities. TTC believes placing the BRT express transit stations directly in a freeway median is an unacceptable option from a transportation planning perspective whereas HOV/HOT direct access ramps to/from transit destinations would offset the cold and uninviting experience for freeway express transit services.

If HOT lane policies are set correctly, free mobility will be a long-lasting reality for high occupancy vehicle traffic travelling along Southern California freeway corridors. With public express buses, 2+ or 3+ private HOVs, motorcycles, and private sector bus lines having their own set of dedicated free-flowing lanes through traffic-choked corridors with direct connections to transit stations and park & ride lots near destinations, the public-private benefit would be enormous.

91 Express Lanes and the Corona Transit Center - Why are there no direct connectors proposed linking the high volume of 3+ commuter HOV's, vanpools and transit buses to the HOT lanes now under construction? TTC has informed Riverside officials of a potential troubling connectivity issue for HOV's and express transit services.

The Transit Coalition is not affiliated with any public entity or private organization.